Lycopene

We have always been told that fruits and vegetables are good for our bodies. Yet for years, the reason behind it lay just beyond our grasp. Fortunately, the patience and diligence of many scientists and nutrition experts has finally uncovered the mystery of the health benefits of fruits and vegetables.

Now, science has gained a better understanding of why fruits and vegetables should be part of a healthy eating plan. Not only do we enjoy the many flavors and bright colors, but we also benefit from eating these wonderful food sources. This eating pattern is packed with plenty of beneficial nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Fruits, especially, are rich sources of antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene and lycopene.

What is Lycopene?

Lycopene is a carotenoid, a substance commonly found in tomato products. It is responsible for giving the red color to tomato products. Lycopene in plants is similar to any other carotenoids. They serve as light-absorbing pigments, playing a vital role in the food-giving process of photosynthesis.

As an antioxidant, lycopene has garnered much attention especially when medical research led to the discovery that antioxidants have disease-fighting properties. Antioxidants are substances that protect cells from damage by neutralizing damage-causing elements, called free radicals.

Health Benefits

There are many reported health benefits of lycopene. Recent studies attribute most of its benefits on its ability to protect cells against damage caused by free radicals, which are elements formed during oxidation. Compared to other dietary carotenoids, there is less research focused on lycopene. Yet, despite this, the studies conducted all share the mutual suggestion that lycopene is one of the more potent scavengers of oxygen radicals.

According to a recent study published in the October 1998 issue of Lipids, lycopene helps prevent oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, considered to be “bad” cholesterol found in the body. Also, lycopene can reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

The antioxidant actions of lycopene have triggered many scientists to examine all the benefits the substance can bring. Evidence based on human intervention studies show that lycopene has anti-cancer effects in that it can successfully inhibit the formation of cancer cells or retard their development.

Two large case-control studies show a link between lycopene and reduced digestive tract cancer. One study in northern Iran, where esophageal cancer is common found that consuming tomato can actually reduce cancer risk up to 40%. Also, more recently in Italy, another study found that seven or more servings of tomato products per week are associated with a 50% reduced cancer risk compared to less than two servings of tomato per week.

Lycopene is associated with preventing various types of cancer. According to recently published study in Italy, lycopene can significantly lower down the risk of getting colon cancer. Animal studies on rat tumors also found that the substance can deter the formation of tumor. The relationship between prostate cancer and lycopene has also been thoroughly examined. In one prospective study, a group of Seventh Day Adventist men showed that those who consumed more tomatoes had less possibility of getting cancer of the prostate.

Shark Liver Oil

Shark liver oil is as its name implicates derived from the livers of deep-water sharks. Shark liver oil is used to fight cancer and boosts the immune system. The shark liver oil is a by-product of the fishing industry. Sharks are not hunted for their oil alone. The practice of using shark liver oil as a medicine for wounds and to fight flu spans for centuries already. Japanese seamen called shark liver oil as samedawa or ‘cure all’. In the 1950s, it was discovered that a natural immune-boosting compound called alkylglycerols are found in high concentration in the shark liver oil.

Other less concentrated sources of alkylglycerols are found in the bone marrow, liver, spleen and breast milk of both mature cows and humans. This compound is the focus on medical interest on shark liver oil as a possible accompaniment to cancer treatment and an immune booster. It also contains squalamine which is a substance that fight breast, lung, brain and skin cancer by choking off the tumor’s blood supply. Shark live oil also contains squalene in large amounts which is an anti-oxidant and bacteria-fighter. It also has omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A.

There are several health benefits one can derive from using shark liver oil. These benefits include:

* It adds to the conventional cancer treatment. In Europe, this is widely practiced. Research shows that alkylglyerols in shark liver oil may boost the immune system and prevent the spread of disease. The shark liver oil also strengthens healthy cells to ease the side effects of cancer chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

* It fights infections, inflammations and heal wounds. Its immune boosting properties help speed up the healing of colds, flu and various skin infections.

* It is also believe to be a remedy for asthma, arthritis, skin inflammations of psoriasis. But these claims remain to be proven.

In order to get the most out of shark liver oil, you should purchase shark liver oil products that contain ‘alkylglycerols’ which is a disease-fighting ingredient. 1000 mg capsule could provide at least 200 mg of alkylglycerols. Other healing compounds found in shark liver oil are squalamine and squalene. Do not take more than the recommended dietary allowance or dosages of shark liver oil. More does not necessarily mean better. See your doctor if you take the product more than 30 days. You may require a blood test and a dosage change because long-term use might alter blood consistency.

To accompany cancer treatments, take 1 to 2 capsules, three times a day with meals.
To fight infections, take 1 to 2 capsules a day for 7 days with meals. Food will increase the absorption of the product’s active ingredients. Pregnant women are cautioned not to use this supplement. Consult a doctor first. There are no known drugs or nutrients interaction linked with shark liver oil. Possible side effects when taking shark liver oil include: mild stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, indigestion. These rarely occur however if oil is taken at recommended doses.

Green Herbal Tea

Green herbal tea has a number of healing substances that provide therapeutic properties needed by the body. The main substances found in green herbal tea include powerful antioxidant chemicals called polyphenols which guards against cell damage. The leaf of green tea contains a major antioxidant which is called EGCG or epigallocatechin-gallate. Aside from that green herbal tea also contain fluoride, catechins and tannins.

The leaves of Camellia sinensis are steamed, rolled and dried for use as green tea. Black and oolong teas come from the same plant but are prepared differently with the use of fermentation process. Products that are called gunpowder tea are also green herbal tea. The pellets which are imported from China are tightly compressed green tea leaves that unfold when steeped.

Recent research studies suggest that if green herbal tea is consumed on a regular basis, your body might be able to prevent various types of cancer, prevent heart disease by reducing cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure, stop tooth decay and heal gum infections and many other health benefits. All the body needs is just about 10 ounces of green herbal tea to be able to increase antioxidants for at least two hours. Due to the green herbal tea’s astringent tannin compounds, it could alleviate indigestion, diarrhea and other forms of stomach upset. It also aids in burning of fat calories in people who are overweight according to a Swiss research study.

Green herbal tea is sold in various formulations: tablet, powder, liquid, dried herb/tea and capsule. Green herbal tea capsules which contain about 50% to 90% polyphenols are found to be more potent as an antioxidant than a cup of green herbal tea which only contains 8% to 12% polyphenols. For purposes of preventing of cancer, anti-aging and arthritis, the body needs to consume 3 or 4 cups of green tea a day. The side effects from green herbal tea are due to its caffeine content. Fortunately, most green tea supplements have very little caffeine only about 5 to 6 mg in two 250 mg pills. But a brewed cup of green herbal tea could contain 40 mg caffeine. Excessive amounts of the brewed tea could lead to irritability, sleeplessness, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, headache or loss of appetite. Brewing green herbal tea with boiling water may destroy the therapeutic compounds in the tea. There are no known drugs or nutrients interactions associated with green herbal tea.

Selenium

Selenium can be found in certain foods. It is distributed to nearly every cell particularly in the kidneys, liver, pancreas, spleen and testes. The most potent source for selenium is the Brazil nut. A single nut contains 120 mcg which is twice the recommended dietary allowance. It could also be found in poultry, meat, grains, oats and brown rice. The concentration of selenium in food sources depends to a large extent on the level of selenium in the soil in which the plant grew and which the animal ate. The past two decades showed steady progress in the study of selenium. Scientist began to understand its most basic function which is to prevent disease.

Selenium boosts the immune system and combats infection. Consequently, it increases the body’s defense against harmful bacteria, viruses and cancer cells. Every cell in the body needs a hormone from the thyroid gland that selenium helps to convert into its active form. It is most popular for being an antioxidant. Aside from these perceived effects, it is also known to manifest the following health benefits:

- It prevents cancer. According to a study conducted on selenium it was found out that selenium prevents the formation of tumors.

- It protect against heart attack and stroke.

- It guard against cataracts and macular degeneration. It does this seeming miracle by providing antioxidant actions that combats free radicals.

- It heals cold sores and shingles due to its immune-system booster properties.

- It combats inflammation that is associated with lupus. You can further increase this capacity by combining selenium with vitamin E. Selenium/vitamin E combination also helps other types of inflammatory diseases too such as psoriases, eczema and rheumatoid. Those afflicted with lupus can benefit from it anti-inflammatory properties.

The recommended dietary allowance for selenium is 55 mcg for women and 70 mcg for men. One can readily obtain selenium through their diet and it seldom happen that deficiency occurs in industrialized countries.

For those that lack sufficient selenium, the following symptoms may manifest: muscle weakness and fatigue. If the problem continues it might result to risk for cancer, immune-system problems, heart disease and various inflammatory conditions. For those that have too much selenium in their body could cause toxic reactions. Other symptoms of overdose include: depression, anxiety and garlicky odor from breath and perspiration.

To prevent the effects of aging and protect against cancer, take 400 mcg daily.

-To prevent cataracts and macular degeneration, take 200 to 400 mcg daily.

-To treat cold sores and shingles, take 600 mcg daily during flare-ups only.

-Check also product labels for the recommended dosage.

To get the most effect out of selenium, take it together with 400 IU vitamin E per day. To get the antioxidant benefits of selenium take a high potency antioxidant blend of selenium, vitamins C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, grape seed and green tea extracts, alpha-lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10 and N-acetylsysteine (NAC). There are no known drugs or nutrient interactions connected with selenium. Do not take high dosages – 900 mcg one time or 600 mcg daily for a long period- to prevent toxic build up in your system.

Herbal supplement dictionary

Herbal supplement dictionary pertains to herbal supplements that could bring out holistic health. The herbal supplement dictionary provides information on what are the herbal supplements, what they are, how much you should use and what they do to the body and what cautions, if any, should be exercised if using them. Some of the herbal supplements found in the herbal supplement dictionary are:

Calcium: This is a very vital to bones and is necessary to prevent osteoporosis. For up to 50 years old use 600 mg twice a day. For 50-71 years old, 600-800 mg twice daily and for above 70, 800 mg twice daily.

Magnesium: lowers risk for heart disease, promotes bone and sexual health. Women are required 400 mg of magnesium per day and 333 mg for men.

Folic acid: Is a water-soluble vitamin B that is vital in forming coenzyme for protein synthesis. Required dosage of folic acid is 400 mcg. Patients that are at risk for heart disease need 800 mcg.

Selenium: It is necessary for the synthesis of GPx (glutathione peroxidase) which is an antioxidant. It strengthens the immune system and reduces the risk of prostrate cancer also lung and colorectal.

Iron: This is a good mineral for menstruating women or those with iron deficiency. The recommended dosage for iron is up to 18 mg per day.

Vitamin A: This supplement is fat-soluble which plays a major role in vision and could reduce the risk of cancer. You need to take 5,000 IU per day.

Vitamin B5 or Pyridoxine: Is a group of compounds that contain nitrogen. It is included in the herbal supplement dictionary. Recommended dosage is 2 mg.

Vitamin B12: This is responsible for carbohydrate and protein metabolism. You need 6 mcg daily.

Vitamin E: is a fat soluble vitamin that scavenges the free radicals. You need at least 400 IU daily. Increase it to between 800-1200 mcg if you have heart disease.

Vitamin D: Is fat soluble vitamin that enhances the effects of calcium. You need 10-20 minutes of sunlight to get vitamin D or 400 IU daily. It is good for treating osteoporosis and arthritis.

Vitamin C: Is a water soluble vitamin which has antioxidant effects. It strengthens the immune system, decreases severity of colds and prevents cancer. You need 600 mg twice daily.

Taurine

Taurine is an amino acid that is found in meat and other animal foods, except in milk and milk products, which protects the heart from harm. It was first discovered and isolated from ox bile in 1827 where there was high concentration of taurine. Since it was connected with bovine ( latin name ‘bos taurus’) ‘taurine’ name was derived from it. It strengthens bile acids to clear cholesterol from the body. It combats cellular problems that are harmful to the heart. This nutrient was discovered in the 1820s but the therapeutic value of taurine still remains to be verified. It occurs in the body as a free molecule and is it never becomes a part of muscle proteins. Taurine molecule is water soluble and doesn’t cross the fatty membranes which comprised the body’s cell. It could be called an amino acid. Rather, it is a product of the metabolism of the amino acid. Although there are conflicting reports about the herb but some claim that it has health benefits for vision disorders, epilepsy and gallstones. It is found in the muscle and lungs, nerve tissue and bile of many animals. It is one of the less popular animals but it plays vital roles in the body and is necessary to newborns. For quite some time it was regarded as nonessential for humans but recently it was found out that it could be essential under certain circumstances.

The body synthesizes taurine on its own. Those who are strict vegetarian that do not eat meat however are advised to get taurine from other sources in order to have the recommended allowance for this amino acid derivative. This is especially true for pregnant women or those planning to have children. Taurine is an essential ingredient in the development of visual and central nervous systems of the fetus and growing infant.

There are a number of uses for taurine in the body which include:

- It is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.

- It plays a role in digestion.

- Taurine is good when under high stress or in disease states.

- It functions as a detoxifying agent.

- It is required for efficient fat absorption and solubilization.

- It is an effect antioxidant.

- It may have an important role in renal development.

Taurine enhances or decreases the action of other nutrients like some herbs. Monosodium glutamate can reduce the effectiveness of taurine. Meanwhile, zinc has the opposite effect as it enhances taurine. Amino acids beta-alanine and beta-hyptaurine including vitamin B panthotenic acid can lessen the effect of taurine. Zinc deficiency and combined vitamin A and zinc deficiency are connected with increased taurine excretion in the urine. Cysteine and viamin B6 are the most critical nutrients that support the manufacture of taurine in human beings.

Consult your doctor if you wish to try taurine supplements.

Taurine is one of the ingredients you can find in energy drinks such as Red Bull. It is also found in pills which contain caffeine and/or other stimulants.

Astragalus: An Immune-boosting Herb

An organ toning and balancing herb, astragalus is indigenous to China and is used since ancient times in traditional Chinese medicine. In fact, it has been applied for more than 2,000 years for the purpose of balancing the vital energy or what the Chinese termed as ‘qi’, which is believed to flow though all beings.

Astragalus continues to become an important remedy in the West since its great effects upon the immune system came to light. It is in fact given that astragalus, as a relative of licorice and the pea plant, appears to provide the immune system with a potent boost. Since that discovery, most teas, tablets, and other healing formulations are then produced from astragalus’ flat and yellowish root.

This certain herb is then taken as a tonic and is also thought to enhance vitality and stamina. Through its fundamental constituents such as the glycosides, polysaccharides, choline, betaine, rumatakenin, and beta-sitosterol, the astragalus herb is able to hold a reputation for improving the overall health condition.

Specifically, the polysaccharides of the astragalus have been demonstrated to enhance the phagocystosis of reticulo-endothelial systems, rouse the pituitary-adrenal cortical activity and rebuild the damaged red blood cell formation in the bone marrow. Astragalus, with its constituents, is though to fight off viral and bacterial infections and greatly caused some ailments like colds, flu, bronchitis, and sinus infections.

Astragalus is also known as an herb that rouses the body’s regular manufacture of interferon. With that, the astragalus is then considered as an ideal remedy for those who might be immuno-compromised in any way. Aside from that reputation, this particular herb is also an antioxidant that aids to thwart the cell depletion that is largely caused by unstable oxygen molecules that are known as free radicals. And perhaps, one of the best qualities of astragalus is its versatility or its ability to be safely blended with many other traditional treatments.

In order to make sure of effectiveness, you should choose an astragalus product that is composed of a standardized extract of the herb’s root, with 0.5 percent glucosides, as well as 70 percent of polysaccharides. Astragalus is now offered in various stores and is made available in many forms. Some of the Chinese drug stores offer the dry roots of the astragalus and some of them sell the powder form which is taken from the roots. There are as well other drug stores in China that sell the extract, while the others make the extract as the main ingredient of herbal teas. While some of them applied only the astragalus root, the others use the flowers and leaves.

With the astragalus, the body is believed to develop permissiveness if this immune-stimulating herb is taken over long stretches of period. So, for those who are interested to take this medical herb, just know that for maximum effect, you should alternate the application of astragalus with the other immune-stimulating herbs like the Echinacea, cat’s claw, and pau d’arco.

And if you are undergoing cancer treatment, it is best to consult your doctor before taking the supplement or adding it to your daily supplement routine. And it is interesting to know that some of the Chinese experts recommend taking astragalus for about 9 to 15 grams per day in decoction form.

Cat’s Claw

A Miracle Herb from the Rain Forest of Peru

Cat’s claw is a new botanical nutrient that is being called by many people as the “Miracle Herb from the Rain Forest of Peru”. The discovery of this herb has been continually pulling increasingly more interest among the proponents of the natural health care. Even though this herb is virtually not known in the United States until now, the valuable effects of this Peruvian herb which is also commonly known as “una de gato” in Spanish and “cat’s claw” in English, have greatly encouraged some clinical studies since 1970s at research facilities in Austria, Peru, Germany, England, Hungary, and Italy.

Cat’s claw is basically a high-climbing woody vine that thrives abundantly in the upper Amazon corners of Peru, Columbia, Ecuador, and other South American nations. At the base of it, there dwelt a two curved thorns that bear a resemblance to that of the claws of a cat, hence the name “cat’s claw” is given to it. Functionally, these thorns allow the vine to climb up trees and other plant life into the forest canopy. The cat’s claw’s botanical name “Uncaria” is then derived from the Latin uncus, which stands for “hook”.

Since the studies conducted in different parts of the world about the potential of cat’s claw for medicine, have suggested that the herb itself may be valuable in the treatment of arthritis, bursitis, allergies, diabetes, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome herpes, organic depression, cancer, stomach disorders and intestines, as well as menstrual irregularities, many experts have largely noted that there is basically two species of cat’s claw that are harvested for medicinal purposes.

Speaking of such species of cat’s claw, there noted is the Uncaria quianensis, which is applied mainly in Europe, and the Uncaria tomentosa, which is typically imported into the United States. These two species of cat’s claw is in fact considered as identical among the many herbal practitioners in South America.

For so many years, the people in the Amazon regions of places to which the cat’s claw is indigenous have applied cat’s claw to treat a wide range of health complaints. Such ailments include arthritis, cancer, and stomach and liver disorders. Cat’s claw is also valuable as a treatment for skin conditions and even contraception.

Traditionally, cat’s claw is used as a decoction or a crude extract that is largely prepared by the process of boiling the inner bark of the stem and some parts of the cat’s claw’s roots. And with the advent of science, cat’s claw is found out to be valuable for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. With those findings, there are certain evidences which show that cat’s claw may have antiviral and cancer-fighting potential as well.

Generally, cat’s claw is identified by some clinical studies as having properties like adaptogenic, anti-micobial, and antioxidant, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor. For those main properties of cat’s claw, many studies have speculated that the herb has even the potential for treating serious illnesses like the HIV, and for that reason, the cat’s claw becomes the top-selling herb in the United States. However, there is really no strong back up for such claim since very few well-designed clinical trials have been done with human subjects on cat’s claw.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant which was discovered about 80 years ago. Rich sources of vitamin E include the following: wheat germ, almonds, peanuts, vegetable oils (such as safflower, corn, soybeans), green leafy vegetables and walnuts and many others. You can also take vitamin E supplements of 400 IU per day.

Vitamin E is stored in the body’s fatty tissues where it will release its antioxidant powers and protect the cells by deactivating free radials. It also aids in the formation of red blood cells and eases the use of trace mineral selenium and vitamins A and K. Vitamin E actually pertains to a group of compounds called tocopherols and tocotrienols. Most E products contain only tocopherols such as alpha, beta, delta and gamma-tocopherols with alpha-tocopherol considered as the most potent form. Recently though researchers have identified tocotrienols that promotes healthy heart.

There is a number of health benefits one can derived with taking vitamin E supplements. Among these include:

- It prevents heart disease and other complications associated with heart disease. Vitamin E seems to prevent oxidation of LDL or bad cholesterol which is the initial stage in the development of atherosclerosis which is buildup of plague in the arteries impeding normal circulation. As of the moment, no correlation between vitamin E and heart disease prevention have been satisfactorily established.

- It protects against prostate and other cancers. Due to its antioxidant properties, E vitamin protects cell membranes from the effects of free radicals which are results to cancer. But this effect could not be verified yet.

- It prevents cataracts and macular degeneration. Studies indicate that E vitamin can protect against cataracts and macular degeneration.

- It slows down the progress of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia due to its antioxidant properties.

- It slows down the aging process and enhances immunity by protecting cells from free radical damage.

- It promotes healing of burns, eczema and other skin problems.

Vitamin E comes in the following formulations: tablet, softgel, oil, liquid, cream and capsule. The recommended intake of E vitamin is 15 mg or equivalent to more or less 23 IU per day. Vitamin E deficiency can cause neurological damage. This rarely happens however because it often occur in people that impedes fat absorption since Vitamin E is fat-soluble vitamin. It is quite easy to obtain vitamin E with well-balanced diet and a minimum intake of polyunsaturated fat. For those who took excessive amounts of vitamin E at 1,000 IU a day may experience diarrhea and headaches. Doses beyond 800 IU a day of vitamin E may impede with the ability to clot blood causing risk to people taking blood thinners medicine. (anticoagulants). Taking high dosage of E vitamin will interfere with the absorption of vitamin A.

In most people, supplement dosage of 400 IU or less of vitamin E is enough since high doses pose risks. Vitamin E is effective when taken with vitamin C because the latter promotes absorption. Vitamin E products marked ‘mixed tocopherols’ are absorbed well.

For general health, take 200-400 IU daily. To prevent heart disease, take up to 800 IU daily. To prevent cancer, take up to 800 IU daily. In order to maximize its benefits, take vitamin E at the same time daily. Take this fat-soluble vitamin E with food that contains fat.

Vitamin E’s has mild blood-thinning effect which could cause problems when taken with another anticoagulant or blood-thinning supplement such as ginkgo biloba. If you have high blood pressure, consult your doctor before taking vitamin E supplements.

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